MDC-Alliance threatens to expel defiant members

The MDC-Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has threatened to expel supporters in Chitungwiza who rally behind candidates who defied the party to contest as independents.

The threat was contained in a letter by the party's national chairman, Mr Morgen Komichi.

The development is likely to widen fissures in the opposition party, which has lost most of its support base in St Mary's, Zengeza West and North due to the imposition of unpopular candidates during the party's chaotic primary elections.

Independent candidates such as Hillary Gwata, Simon Chidakwa and Assani Tembo command huge support from MDC-Alliance supporters ahead of the party's candidates. Mr Komichi urged supporters to be united and desist from supporting independent candidates.

"I would like to urge all the party members to be more focused than ever before. Move away from the zones of anger and hatred, which was caused by candidate selection process. We should forgive each other and build a formidable team to confront Zanu-PF in the elections," said Mr Komichi.

"I urge all MDC party structures to refrain from working with independent candidates or else the law will take its course," he said.

Chitungwiza MDC-Alliance province spokesman Mr Benard Mazhindu confirmed the letter saying it was addressing the situation on the ground.

"Yes, we received that letter from Mr Komichi where he was encouraging us to reconcile as party members and warned those supporting independent candidates. We have such scenarios in this area where some of our party members chose to contest as independent candidates and were expelled from the party. We only have two independent candidates contesting as councillors in ward 3 and 4 who were approved by the party after they failed to file their nomination papers.

"Those that wish to ignore to continue supporting these expelled candidates will face disciplinary measures and will be evicted from the party," said Mr Mazhindu.

Party supporters who spoke to The Herald said the MDC was in shambles and that they would not vote for candidates who were imposed on them.

"Impositions of Chamisa's allies on us has destroyed the party and we are going to reject all the corrupt, illiterate and incompetent councillors imposed on us through the ballot," one supporter said.

Last month, Mr Chamisa, expelled about 25 party members who filed their nomination papers at the Nomination Court as independent candidates.